There is a feeling of optimism at Houlton Elementary that spring is just around the corner. We have appreciated the longer days of sunshine and even a few days of above 30 degree weather. That is not to say that setting the time ahead an hour didn’t cause a few problems with our classroom clocks and the bell system. It also can wreck the sleeping patterns of young children for a little while. Hopefully, everyone will adjust bedtime to the new hours.
Janet Murakami scheduled eight Customs/Border Patrol agents to come into the school and read to classrooms in recognition of the Read Across America celebrations. The objective of this event is to promote reading and recognize Dr. Seuss.
The agents who read to children at the school included Nancy McDowell, Christopher Collins, Troy Fitzpatrick, Taylor Balkman, William Maddocks, Patrick Michael, Ervin Perfitt, and Jodi Williams. The students love to have guests in the classroom and are especially excited when those guests represent local law enforcement or emergency personnel.
Students have limited access to law enforcement personnel in the course of their everyday lives, and many of the children still aspire to be a member of the police or fire department. Fitzpatrick wowed the students when he told them he had attended the school when he was a child. That was almost mind boggling to the little ones that this grown man had attended their school. We also would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all of the first responders in our community from law enforcement, emergency medical and fire department personnel to the National Guard.
The school recently held Parent-Teacher conferences and a high percentage of our parents attended. We are so fortunate to have parents who are actively involved in their children’s education. Research continues to emphasize the importance of schools and parents working together. These conferences are wonderful opportunities to discuss progress children are making and also discuss the educational expectations that are outlined in the Common Core Standards. The expectations for students are not like they used to be ten or even five years ago. In order for children to meet these new requirements they need to be in school daily, on time, and ready to learn.
The varsity girls basketball team visited our school at lunchtime recently to autograph a small team picture for each child. The team brought their gold ball for all of the children to see. Many students had watched the game on television and knew the girls’ names. Some placed their small hands on the gold basketball trophy in awe. It was fun to watch both the children and the basketball team interact and to see a dream come true for the high school girls, while fostering a dream of what has yet to come for them as elementary children. Some of the elementary children aspire to play on a state team as well.
On March 14, PTO sponsored a Family Skate party at the Millar Arena. We appreciate all the fundraising that occurs throughout the year to pay for events like this.
The staff had two workshop days full of curriculum work. The staff continues to enhance our proficiency based, instructional practices by reviewing the curriculum, standards, samples of student work, and assessments. All components of instruction are constantly being tweaked or revised. As educators we are aware of the importance of being lifelong learners ourselves.
The staff have identified the learning targets for mathematics that aligns with the Common Core. They have been developing and exploring different assessments for measuring student progress. The staff has also been creating report cards that are parent friendly and specific to each standard that the children must be able to demonstrate proficiency in.
Thursday, March 26, is the day for pre-K registrations for 4-year-olds entering school in September. Registration will be held at the Houlton Elementary School from 6-7:30 p.m. Parents will participate in a short informational meeting conducted by the pre-kindergarten teaching staff. This information will include helpful tips for first time parents, as well as general information relating to the school bus, school supplies, etc.
Parents need to bring the original birth certificate, immunization record, Social Security number, and proof of residency, which usually is a bill that has their physical address listed. Documents that have a post office number are not sufficient for documenting residence. Children entering Pre-K in the fall must be four years of age on or before Oct 15.
The 24 Book Reading Challenge was accepted by the second graders and their parents. The students were treated to a special celebration for reading so many books. Students were urged to read at least 24 books, and they had to spend time discussing the book with family members. Many of the students achieved the 24 Book Challenge. Even those students who didn’t read 24 books celebrated their own efforts. Hopefully, this activity has encouraged families to continue to read together.
Students in first and second grade are also practicing their math facts. Teachers hope that repeated practice on the computer, with flashcards, and on the iPads will promote more “automaticity.” We want the students to be able to construct in their mind what two rows of four tomato plants looks like, but we also want them to be able to remember that math fact quickly. Since we received extensive training in literacy in the past through the Reading First initiative, we have wanted to create a school culture that has math embedded in everything we do. Therefore, if you have a little one in the cart at the store perhaps capitalizing on opportunities to count or manipulate numbers would pass the time a little faster and promote math at the same time.
The students recently had their spring photos taken. This is the last photo opportunity at school this year. The background props were sunny and colorful. The photos should be really nice based on some of the poses the children were demonstrating during the photo session.
Also, we want to remind parents and students that perfume is not allowed at school or on the buses. We have students with significant allergies or asthma, which can be triggered by strong perfumes or cologne. Younger children typically get it all over them, their neighbor, and the furniture. Often they forget it is all over their hands and will rub their eyes. We encourage the students to keep their perfume and cologne for special occasions instead of bringing it to school.
